Report: Trouble mounts for India as Australia take a huge lead

Day three was always going to be the moving day of the Sydney Test and it lived up to the expectations. However, much to dismay of Indian fans it did not go their way. Starting the day on 96/2 India hoped that the two most senior batsmen of the side – Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara – will take them closer to the Australian score of 338.

But Australia had their plans in place. With their relentless lines and aggressive into the pitch bowling, the hosts managed to extract enough to trouble the batters. Injuries and run-outs did not help India’s cause either. As many as three run-outs and injury to Rishabh Pant, who looked better than the others during his stay, and Ravindra Jadeja pegged India back in the game.

If it was not for a few lusty blows from Ravindra Jadeja, India would have ended up conceding a lead in excess of hundred.

Australia batters in their second innings took an aggressive approach and despite losing the openers, they now have a substantial lead of 197 runs. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith look set for another big one. India may end up being a bowler short on the fourth day with uncertainty over Jadeja’s injury. The pressure on the remaining four bowlers is only going to mount further as the game moves towards close.

The fourth day of the Test is once again going to be a test of the character for the Indian side, particularly their batsmen who would hope that they don’t let down the bowlers twice in the game.